HISTORY DAY IN CALIFORNIA
History Day in California is actually a four-day event where the best history projects of middle and high school students are displayed and judged. The entries are judged principally on historical quality, but adherence to this year’s theme of “Frontiers in History” and the clarity of the presentation are part of the judging formula. The top two projects in each category go on to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National History Day Finals.
History Day in California is just one of the more than twenty programs which educate young people to become active and responsible participants in our society sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation (“CRF”). I have been involved with CRF for 25 which seeks to instill in our nation’s youth a deeper understanding of citizenship through the values as expressed in the Bill of Rights. As a CRF Board member, I was asked to judge at the State Finals which were held in the City of Orange this past Saturday. There were several categories in the competition, including Historical Paper, Exhibits, Performance, Documentary, and Web Sites. I judged Exhibits and Web Sites. I sat in to see the finalists in Performance.
It is impossible to describe in words the awe each entry inspires, or how impressive the entire event is. Luckily, I can show you some of the web sites. For example, I think you will be particularly impressed that entry 1727, “Braille……A Frontier Under Your Fingertips” on the development of Braille was researched and prepared by middle school students. Entry 2812, was prepared by three high school students with contemporary graphics and appeal for their contemporaries. It brought to life the story of journalism pioneer John Peter Zenger.
There were several web sites that dealt with space. The presentation in entry 2810, “Sputnik: Pushing Farther The Frontier Of Space And The Cold War” was particularly well done and will do well in the National Finals. While it might be a bit time consuming, you certainly will not be bored if you view all of the entries by clicking here.
Events like History Day in California are truly inspiring and renew your confidence that our future is in good hands. I want to personally thank the staff of CRF for their hard work in making this event such a success.
